Sudanese suffer closure of clinics

From RAJI BASHIR in Khartoum, Sudan
KHARTOUM, (CAJ News) – ABOUT 1 million people have been left without access to healthcare following the closure of clinics in cash-strapped Sudan.
Lack of funding for heath has resulted in the closure of 11 health
facilities and left another 49 facilities at risk of closure.
Humanitarian organisations said the closure was adding to the existing risk of epidemics due to limited access to primary health care among refugees and host communities.
Immediate consequences are a drop in immunisation and maternal/child health care, heightened risks of epidemics and increased morbidity and mortality rates.
Over 323 000 women of childbearing age and children under five, who willlack access to maternal and child health care, are most affected.
Dr Naeema Al-Gasseer, World Health Organisation representative in Sudan,said while government was engaged in finding solutions, funds were needed to continue supporting clinics in remote areas.
The health sector in the north African country has been grossly
underfunded over the past three years, with donors focusing on emergencies in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
At the end of 2016, health sector requirements for were only 42 percent funded.
– CAJ NEWS